Monthly Archives: August 2015

Google launches OnHub router in Google Store for $199, promptly sells out

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Google isn’t all about Android, and that’s why when the company unveils a brand new router for “the new way to Wi-Fi,” it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

And that’s exactly what the company has done. Thanks to a partnership with TP-Link, Google has launched the OnHub, a new router that’s not just a router, with a price tag of $199 attached to it. As of this writing, though, it should probably be noted right up front that both the blue and black models are sold out, according to Google.

The OnHub is supports 802.11 b/g/n/ac at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and when it comes to wired connections there’s only a single Ethernet (gigabit) port on the back, which just goes to show that Google is apparently serious about that Wi-Fi focus. There are 13 antennas inside of the OnHub, which is meant to ensure the best possible signal. The device will scan every five minutes in an effort to find the least congested wireless signal, too.

The OnHub will also remember your favorite devices and track how much data they consume, to better manage the bandwidth that each device gets. There’s a new app, “Google On,” which will let owners control the router, too.

The router supports Bluetooth Smart, Google Weave and Zigbee. There’s a USB 3.0 port on the back as well, just for good measure. Google is also promising relatively routine software updates that will improve the OnHub over time.

The OnHub also sports a speaker, for those wondering what else Google could include in it.

The OnHub is available from the Google Store, and it’s available to pre-order from Amazon right now. The retailer says the OnHub will begin shipping on August 31, and it costs $199.99 for the blue or black model.

What do you think of the OnHub?

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Google launches OnHub smart Wi-Fi router for $199.99

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Google’s latest hardware project is, a bit unexpectedly perhaps, a Wi-Fi router. It’s called OnHub and it’s built in partnership with TP-Link. Oh, and it looks nothing like your average router.

The OnHub is an AC1900 router, boasting a total of 13 built-in antennas: 6 for the 2.4 GHz band, 6 for 5 GHz, and another one that’s used for continuously monitoring your environment for wireless congestions. In conjunction with this antenna’s scans, the software automatically switches wireless channels when necessary (but not when you’re actively using the Internet).

Aside from the 802.11ac support, you get legacy a/b/g/n too, but this router also has Bluetooth (with Bluetooth Smart Ready), and support for Weave and 802.15.4, so it’s as future-proof as possible.

Speaking of which, Google promises many firmware updates, and these will apparently download and install automatically. The OnHub doesn’t have annoying blinking lights, instead featuring a dimmable four-color light ring that uses each of those colors to give you feedback.

On the hardware side, we’re looking at a Qualcomm / Atheros chipset solution, with an IPQ8064 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8MB of NOR flash, 4GB of eMMC flash, and a QCA8337 Gigabit Ethernet switch.

There’s only one Ethernet port, though, unlike normal routers which come with four. The OnHub has a USB 3.0 port, an ambient light sensor (presumably for auto-dimming those LEDs), and a 3W integrated speaker. This is used for the initial setup of the router, which also requires an Android or iOS device and the Google On app installed.

Basically all the management of the router is done via this app. It lets you easily test the speed of your connection, see each connected device and which is using the most bandwidth, and even prioritize the traffic from certain devices.

The OnHub is available to order today from the Google Store as well as many other retailers. It costs $199.99 and is offered in blue and black. According to Amazon, it will be released on August 31. Google itself only says it will be shipping “in the coming weeks”.

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